Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowship 2026 | St. John’s University

Are you a recent Pharm.D. grad dreaming of a career in the pharmaceutical industry? The St. John’s University Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowship is a two-year, post-Pharm.D. training program that can launch your pharma career. Offered by St. John’s University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (in Queens, NY), this fellowship partners with top companies to train fellows in real industry roles. Imagine working at a global drug company while also doing teaching and research on campus – that’s exactly what this opportunity provides.

The 2026 cycle opens soon, offering positions in medical affairs, market access, clinical development, and regulatory affairs. Read on to learn why this fellowship is unique, who can apply, and how to submit a strong application.

Overview of the Fellowship

St. John’s University offers two-year, post-Pharm.D. fellowship programs designed to train Pharm.D. graduates in specialized pharmaceutical industry roles. The College of Pharmacy has teamed up with leading pharma companies – including American Regent Inc., Pfizer Inc., Allergan Aesthetics (AbbVie), PTC Therapeutics, and Otsuka Pharmaceutical – so fellows gain hands-on experience in top industry settings. In practice, a fellow works as a full-time employee with one of these companies (for example in Medical Affairs, Clinical Development, or Global Regulatory Affairs) while also engaging in teaching and research activities on campus.

For fellowships starting in 2026, St. John’s is recruiting in four areas:

• Medical Affairs (American Regent, Inc.) – 1 position. Fellows support drug information, scientific communications, and liaise with healthcare professionals.
• Oncology Market Access & HEOR (Pfizer Inc.) – 1 position. Fellows work on health economics, outcomes research, and global market access for oncology products.
• Clinical Development (Allergan Aesthetics, AbbVie) – 1 position. Fellows help design and monitor clinical trials for aesthetic drugs.
• Global Regulatory Affairs (PTC Therapeutics) – 1 position. Fellows learn regulatory strategy for obtaining drug approvals worldwide.

Each track offers a unique professional experience. In all cases, you’ll rotate through company departments, engage in industry projects, and also take on some University-based responsibilities (such as giving guest lectures or co-teaching). This blend of industry and academic work builds a well-rounded resume for future leadership roles.

Also Check: Fully Funded Cologne CGA PhD Fellowship 2026

Eligibility Criteria

Successful applicants are typically recent Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) graduates (or current Pharm.D. students completing by 2025) who meet the following:

• Accredited Pharm.D. program: You must have (or be about to receive) a Pharm.D. from an ACPE-accredited school of pharmacy.
• Interest in industry: A strong passion for pharmaceutical development, clinical research, or related fields is required. This fellowship is ideal if you want to learn how new medicines are developed, marketed, and regulated.
• Open to all nationalities: St. John’s welcomes applicants from the U.S. and around the world. All candidates are eligible regardless of citizenship.
• Willingness to relocate: The program is based in Queens, NY, and also involves travel (e.g. to conferences). You should be prepared to live and work in the New York area for two years.
• Strong references: You’ll need academic and professional references (see below). Prior industry internships or relevant rotations can be helpful but are not strictly required.

In short, if you have a Pharm.D. and an interest in a pharmaceutical career, you can apply. You do not need U.S. citizenship or a pharmacy license, but you should be eligible to work in the U.S. (visa sponsorship or J-1 status may be arranged through the University).

Benefits and Funding

This fellowship is a fully funded, two-year position – essentially a paid training job with benefits. As a fellow you become a full-time St. John’s University employee, receiving a competitive stipend, health insurance, and other benefits. You will also have opportunities to attend scientific conferences and company meetings (with travel costs covered) to present your work and network.

Other key benefits include:

• Mentorship: You’ll be mentored by industry professionals and St. John’s faculty, gaining guidance on career development.
• Professional development: Fellows often co-author research papers, present at meetings, and take part in teaching pharmacy students. For example, previous fellows have lectured at pharmacy schools and developed continuing education materials.
• Networking: Working at a major company (Pfizer, AbbVie/Allergan, etc.) puts you in contact with leaders across R&D, regulatory, and commercial teams – a great network for your future.
• Academic experience: In addition to industry duties, you may have an affiliate faculty appointment, co-precept Pharm.D. students on rotations, or engage in joint research projects at St. John’s.

Overall, this fellowship jump-starts your career by combining real-world industry training with academic enrichment, all on a solid financial package.

Also Available: Yale Peace Fellowship 2026 – Fully Funded

Application Process

Applying to the St. John’s 2026 Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowship involves several steps. Follow this guide to make sure your application is complete and on time:

1. Gather your documents: Prepare a current curriculum vitae (CV) and a personalized Letter of Intent for each fellowship track you want (Medical Affairs, HEOR, etc.). If you apply to multiple tracks, you must submit a separate letter for each program. These letters should explain why you’re interested in that specific role.
2. Send your application email: Starting Wednesday, October 1, 2025, email your CV and Letter(s) of Intent to the fellowship leadership at St. John’s: fellowship@stjohns.edu. In the subject line, mention the fellowship name and the program you’re applying to (e.g. “2026 SJU Pfizer Fellowship Application”).
3. Submit transcripts and references: In addition to your CV and letter, you will need an official college transcript and three letters of recommendation. These items must be submitted by the deadlines below. (You can combine everything in the one email or send official transcript separately as instructed.)
4. Attend information sessions (optional): St. John’s and its partners hold live webinars in late September/early October to explain the fellowship details. (For example, in 2025 they had sessions on Sept 25, 30 and early October.) These events can help you tailor your application and ask questions.
5. Interview process: Eligible applicants will be invited to virtual interviews starting in October 2025. Interviews are typically with faculty and industry mentors. If you and the company are at the ASHP Midyear Meeting in early December, you may also do an in-person interview there.
6. AIFA timeline: St. John’s adheres to the Alliance of Industry Fellowship Associates (AIFA) schedule. For the 2026 cycle, the first offer date is December 12, 2025. This means you won’t be pressured to make an immediate decision – you can expect to hear from programs by mid-December and will have time to consider options.

Application Checklist:

• Email fellowship@stjohns.edu with your CV and Letter(s) of Intent (one per program) starting Oct 1, 2025.
• Ensure your materials meet these deadlines: Curriculum Vitae & Letter of Intent by Oct 22, 2025; Official Transcript & 3 Letters of Recommendation by Oct 29, 2025.

Take your time to polish your documents and double-check each requirement. If you have questions, you can contact the program director (Dr. Joseph Brocavich) or coordinator (Dr. William Maidhof) – their emails are listed on the official site.

Ready to take the next step? Follow the instructions above and apply for the Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowship at St. John’s University. This fellowship could be the launchpad for your global pharma career.

Important Deadlines

• Application opens: October 1, 2025. You may email your materials anytime on or after this date.
• CV & Letter of Intent due: October 22, 2025.
• Transcript & Recommendations due: October 29, 2025.
• First-offer (AIFA) date: December 12, 2025. This is when programs can start making offers under AIFA guidelines.

Mark these on your calendar and submit early if possible. Late applications or missing documents may be disqualified. Remember, each program has the same deadlines, so plan accordingly if applying to multiple tracks.

Tips for Applicants

• Tailor your letters: For each program, highlight relevant experience. If you’re applying to the Medical Affairs track, mention any clinical rotations or patient care that show your medical knowledge. For a regulatory role, emphasize any experience with paperwork, lab work, or attention to detail. Make it clear why you fit that specialty.
• Show passion for pharma: Explain why you want to be in industry vs. a traditional pharmacy role. Talk about your career goals (R&D, getting new therapies to patients, improving healthcare economics, etc.) and how this fellowship aligns with them. Genuine enthusiasm can set you apart.
• Leverage your network: Seek advice from professors or pharmacists who know your work. A strong letter of recommendation from a pharmacy faculty, residency mentor, or industry pharmacist can boost your application. Some fellows have also reached out to current or past fellowship graduates for insights.
• Prepare for interviews: If selected, you’ll likely discuss your interests and background. Research each company’s products and recent news. Be ready to talk about a time you solved a problem or led a project. Since interviews may be virtual, test your tech in advance.
• Use the timeline: Because St. John’s follows AIFA, you have until Dec 12 to make decisions. Don’t rush if you get an early offer – you can request time to consider. Use this breathing room to evaluate the best fit.

Above all, stay organized and positive. Meeting deadlines and submitting a well-crafted application is the first step. Believe in your skills and let that confidence show through your CV and interviews.

You Can Also Check: Japan Kyoto University CSEAS Fellowship 2026

Conclusion

The Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowship 2026 at St. John’s University is an exceptional chance to jumpstart your pharma career. With funded, full-time positions at leading companies, structured mentorship, and the support of a renowned university, this program offers a launchpad for future leaders in the pharmaceutical field. If you have a Pharm.D. and the ambition to innovate in drug development or healthcare outcomes, this is your opportunity. Apply by the October deadlines, and don’t forget to share this info with classmates or colleagues who might be interested.

Your pharmacy journey could take an exciting turn here – go for it!

Good luck, and we hope to see you at St. John’s!

“Your future in pharma starts now – seize it with both hands.”